Professional and career development workshop series

• Date and time: Wednesday, January 14, 2026; 9 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
• Location: Virtual
• Speaker: Beyond the Professoriate - Sign in using the link below, choose UNR, log in using your NetID

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When launching a nonacademic job search, it can be tempting to “cast a wide net” and apply to jobs across multiple career fields. Unfortunately, this isn’t an effective strategy—and it often leaves PhDs feeling frustrated and confused by the lack of responses from employers. If you’re ready to actively apply for nonacademic jobs, you’ll need to ensure you’ve done enough research to focus on ONE specific career path. Academic and professional employers use very different criteria when evaluating job candidates. To succeed in a nonacademic job search, grad students and PhDs will need to adopt a different job search strategy. In this webinar, we’ll discuss why PhDs need to choose a specific career path to focus their job search efforts. This session is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:

• How is nonacademic hiring different from academic hiring?
• Why do I need to focus on one career path? Can’t I apply broadly to a range of positions and fields?
• How do I focus my job search, and how will this lead to success?

• Date and time: Wednesday, January 14, 2026; 11-11:30 a.m.
• Location: Virtual
• Platform: Beyond Graduate School - Sign in using the link below, choose UNR, log in using your NetID

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Are you graduating this year? Join Beyond Graduate School for this webinar on what master’s students need to be doing now to ensure career success after graduation. We'll discuss the challenges in today's job market and how you can navigate them as a newly graduated master's student. While some factors—like changing visa policies and hiring freezes—are beyond your control, we'll help you focus on what you can do to move your career forward and strategically prepare for your future. Most importantly, remember that in the current economy, applying to positions online alone is not a winning strategy. During the webinar, we’ll talk about where to focus your efforts instead and how to prepare for a competitive job search process. This webinar is designed for master’s students from all academic disciplines who are wondering:

• When should I start applying for jobs if I’m graduating this year?
• What should I do if I’m not having success applying to jobs online?
• How can I prepare for a competitive or extended job search process?

• Date and time: Tuesday, January 27, 2026; 12-1 p.m.
• Location: JCSU 301 - Graduate Lounge
• Speaker: Dr. Maureen Mcbride, Director of University Writing & Speaking Center

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Whether you're a job seeker, participating in 3MT, or simply looking to improve your communication skills, mastering the elevator pitch is essential. In this workshop, you'll learn how to craft a concise, persuasive message that captures your unique value proposition and grabs your audience's attention. From identifying your target audience to honing your delivery, we'll cover all the key elements of a successful elevator pitch. Don't miss out on this opportunity to stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression on anyone you meet.

• Date and time: Wednesday, February 4, 2026; 9-9:45 a.m. 
• Location: Virtual
• Speaker: Beyond the Professoriate - Sign up using the link below, choose UNR, log in using your NetID

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Researching potential employers is an important part of applying to nonacademic jobs. It helps PhDs connect with local professionals, identify what organizations they can apply to, and ensure their career goals align with the mission and values of future employers. Career satisfaction comes from working with people you like and respect, engaging in work that uses your skills and talents, being fairly compensated, and finding alignment between your values and an organization’s mission. Learning how to research nonacademic employers is key to finding that fit. Note: in a job market where hiring has slowed, career changers like PhDs may encounter additional challenges in their job search. In this webinar, we’ll also discuss how to assess your immediate priorities and build toward long-term career satisfaction. This webinar is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:

• Why do I need to research employers? Can’t I just submit my resume and wait?
• Where do I begin when researching nonacademic employers?
• How do I know if nonacademic employers will hire someone with my background?
• How can I find nonacademic employers who have hired international students/PhDs?

• Date and time: Wednesday, February 4, 2026; 12-1 p.m. 
• Location: Virtual
• Speaker: Dr. Dean Zeh, Emeritus Vice Provost of Graduate Education & Dean of Graduate School

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In the context of preparing graduate students to succeed in the annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition, this workshop will explain the best practices of visual communication and strategies for an impactful presentation. Attendees will learn how to design slides elegantly and informatively without overwhelming their audience. Learning to deliberately incorporate elements of visual storytelling that facilitate the audience's understanding of a static image is not only essential for success in the 3MT competition, but is increasingly important with the rise of graphical abstracts for peer-reviewed papers and is a transferable skill for all jobs requiring graduate education.

• Date and time: Monday-Thursday, February 9-12, 2026; 11-11:30 a.m.
• Location: Virtual 
• Speaker: Beyond Graduate School - Sign in using the link below, choose UNR, log in using your NetID

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In today’s AI-driven job market, graduate students are finding it increasingly difficult to secure employment. Hiring has slowed, the market is saturated with qualified candidates, and many students are turning to AI tools that, unfortunately, hinder their job search more than they help. “How to Stand Out in a Competitive Job Market” is a virtual series designed to help master’s students navigate this new job market with confidence. You will learn essential job search strategies, tools, and techniques to navigate a hyper-competitive market. Each day, we’ll explore a key aspect of job searching as a master’s student today, so you can strategically plan your next steps. This special event is open to master’s students from all academic disciplines.

• Pre-recorded message: What employers value about your degree
• Monday, February 9th: Resume writing
• Tuesday, February 10th: Unlock the hidden job market
• Wednesday, February 11th: How to find people to network with
• Thursday, February 12th: I’m an international student, what do I need to know?

• Date and time: Tuesday, February 17, 2026; 12-1 p.m. 
• Location: JCSU 301 - Graduate lounge
• Speaker: Dr. Carlos Ramirez-Reyes, Assistant Professor and Data Services Coordinator, University Libraries; and Dr. Theresa McKim, Teaching Assistant Professor, Biology

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This workshop enhances presentation delivery and audience engagement through vignettes—short, vivid stories or examples that bring key messages to life. Participants learn to create and incorporate these stories into their presentations to clarify complex ideas, connect with their audience, and leave a lasting impression. The approach highlights clarity, relatability, and storytelling, making presentations more impactful and memorable.

• Date and time: Wednesday, February 18, 2026; from 9–9:45 a.m.
• Location: Virtual 
• Speakers: Beyond the Professoriate - Sign in using the link below, choose UNR, log in using your NetID

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Sending out resume after resume, but not hearing back? You’re not alone. Nearly half of graduate students (48%) believe that submitting resumes to online job postings is the most effective way to land a job. But it’s not an effective strategy, and this approach often leaves graduate students and PhDs feeling frustrated in their job search. Add to this the challenges of job searching in an AI-driven job market, where generative AI-tools have made it easy for job seekers to churn out nearly identical resumes. In this competitive environment, PhDs must tailor their application materials and adopt a more strategic approach to job searching. Join Beyond the Professoriate for this webinar on why generic resumes won’t get you a job offer — and what you should spend your time and focus on instead. This webinar is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:

• Why do I need to tailor my resume for each job posting?
• If resumes won’t get me a job offer, what should I focus on instead?
• How can I unlock new opportunities and access the hidden job market?

• Date and time: Tuesday, February 24, 2026; 12-1 p.m.
• Location: JCSU 301 - Graduate Lounge
• Platform: Will Peshall, Lead, Organizational and Employee Development, Human Resources

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Join us for a new workshop offering to continue learning about and building your leadership skills. The Five Paths to Leadership (self-assessment required to be completed before attending this workshop), will help you and your team explore how one's leadership styles manifest under normal circumstances and how they can change under stress. 

• Date and time: Wednesday, March 4, 2026; 9-9:45 a.m.
• Location: Virtual 
• Speaker: Beyond the Professoriate - Sign in using the link below, choose UNR, log in using your NetID 

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Job seekers are increasingly turning to generative-AI tools to help them in their job search. Resume builders, job search matching, and interview preparation tools all promise to help job seekers find and land the best jobs. But when millions of job seekers are using these tools and churning out nearly identical documents, standing out becomes nearly impossible. Overreliance on generic AI templates can hurt job seekers in an already saturated and highly competitive job market. But can AI help your job search in any way? And how? Join Beyond the Professoriate for this upcoming webinar on how AI can help — and also hinder — PhDs in their job search process. This webinar is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:

• What are the promises and perils of using AI in your job search?
• Are there ways to use AI in your job search without losing your authentic voice or competitive edge?
• What makes you stand out in a hyper-competitive job market?

• Date/Time: Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 11-1:30 a.m.
• Location: Virtual
• Speaker: Beyond Graduate School - Sign in using the link below, choose UNR, log in using your NetID

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International master’s students often face a range of challenges that can impact their ability to land a job and remain in the United States. Additionally, students today are navigating economic and political uncertainty that can affect both their job search and immigration status. So, what can international students do to succeed in this highly competitive and uncertain job market? In this webinar, you’ll learn the components of a successful job search in North America. We’ll discuss what hiring managers look for in a competitive market and how to maximize your chances of landing a job or internship after graduation. While there are many factors beyond our control, we’ll discuss what international students CAN do to prepare for the future. Join Beyond Graduate School for this webinar designed for master’s students from all academic disciplines who are wondering:

• What factors do I need to consider as an international student job searching in the US?
• What can I do to improve my chances of landing a job in the US?
• What resources on campus can help me?

• Date and time: Thursday, March 5, 2026; 12-1 p.m. 
• Location: MIKC, 114
• Speaker: Dr. Elisabeth Linn, Assistant Professor and Life Sciences Librarian

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More information coming soon.

• Date and time: Wednesday, March 11, 2026; 12-1 p.m.
• Location: JCSU 301 - Graduate Lounge
• Speaker: Dr. Maureen McBride, Director of University Writing & Speaking Center

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More information coming soon.

• Date and time: Wednesday, March 18, 2026; 9-9:45 a.m.
• Location: Virtual
• Speaker: Beyond the Professoriate - Sign in using the link below, choose UNR, log in using your NetID

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One of the most common questions we receive from PhDs exploring non-academic career options is: how do I build and grow my network beyond academia? Growing and maintaining a network takes time, but it is especially important for PhDs, many of whom have limited connections with professionals in other career fields. A network is one of the most critical parts of your job search, and can make a significant different in how long a job search lasts. Staying connected to, and engaging with, professionals in your career field of interest means that you’ll be top-of-mind when new job opportunities arise. This is your chance to stand out in a crowded and highly competitive job market. Join Beyond Prof for this webinar designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:

• How do I maintain relationships with people I connect / network with?
• How can I stay connected with people virtually?
• How can I continue to expand my network while job searching?

• Date and time: Wednesday, March 18, 2026; 11-11:30 a.m.
• Location: Virtual
• Platform: Beyond Graduate School - Sign in using the link below, choose UNR, log in using your NetID

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You know how important growing your network is — but how do you keep in touch with people after an informational interview? How to you maintain those connections over time? If you’re wondering how to maintain your network as a master’s student, you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we hear from students is: How do I stay in touch with people I connect with? Building and maintaining a network takes time, but it’s especially important for master’s students, many of whom have limited experience and connections in their career field. A strong network is one of the most critical parts of your job search, and can make a significant different in how long a job search lasts. Staying connected with professionals in your field means you’ll be top of mind when new opportunities arise. And having personal referrals is how you’ll stand out in a crowded and highly competitive job market. Join Beyond Graduate School or this webinar designed for master’s students from all academic disciplines who are wondering:

• How do I maintain relationships with people I connect / network with?
• How can I stay connected with people virtually?
• How can I continue to expand my network while job searching?

• Date and time: Wednesday, March 18, 2026; 4-5 p.m.
• Location: JCSU 301 - Graduate Lounge
• Speaker: To be announced

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Want a winning Resume and CV? Join the Nevada Career Studio’s presentation on composing Resume and CVs. Discover the difference between a resume and a cv and gain insights on crafting effective documents. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your application materials!

• Date and time: Tuesday, March 31, 2026; 12-1 p.m.
• Location: MIKC 114
• Speakers: Dr. Elisabeth Linn, Assistant Professor and Life Sciences Librarian and Dr. Teresa Schultz, Associate Professor, Scholary Communications and Social Sciences Librian 

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Explore the intersection of AI and research in our workshop! If you're unsure about incorporating AI into your research, join us to discover the strengths and limitations of AI tools. Learn how to evaluate AI-generated content and understand ownership issues. This hands-on workshop provides valuable insights and practical experience with AI tools. Don't miss the chance to enhance your research capabilities in the age of AI!

• Date and time: Wednesday, April 1,  2026; 9-9:45 a.m.
• Location: Virtual
• Speakers:  Beyond the Professoriate - Sign in using the link below, choose UNR, log in using your NetID

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One of the most important tools PhDs can leverage in their job search is LinkedIn. LinkedIn can help you connect with key people and organizations during your job search, help you learn industry trends, and help you build a community of professionals in your new career field. But to effectively leverage LinkedIn, you’ll need to have a strong LinkedIn profile that clearly communicates who you are as a professional. Your LinkedIn profile will be the first impression colleagues and employers have of you, so it’s important that your profile is well-written, impactful, and accurately portrays who you are and what you do. This webinar is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:

• Why is LinkedIn an important part of a nonacademic job search?
• How should I use LinkedIn strategically and effectively in my job search?
• What makes a good LinkedIn profile? How should I craft one as a PhD exploring nonacademic careers?

• Date and time: Wednesday, April 1, 2026; 11-11:30 a.m.
• Location: Virtual
• Speakers: Beyond Graduate School - Sign in using the link below, choose UNR, log in using your NetID

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Have you been getting interviews but no job offers? Job searching is challenging, and we understand how frustrating it can be not to be selected to move forward in the process. Join Beyond Graduate School for this webinar where you’ll learn what to do if you’re feeling stuck at the interview stage in your job search. We’ll discuss effective job search strategies for master’s students, what catches a hiring manager’s attention, and what you can do to stand out on the job market. This virtual workshop is designed for master’s students from all academic disciplines who are wondering:

• How can I strengthen my interview strategy?
• How can I strengthen my job search strategy?
• What are next steps I can take to move my job search forward?

• Date and time: Thursday, April 2, 2026; 12 -1 p.m.
• Location: JCSU 301 (Graduate Student Lounge)
• Speaker: To be announced

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Cover letters can be quite the headache. It’s not always clear what you need to “cover”, how to tailor your letter to the role at hand and how a recruiter will evaluate it. In this workshop, you will learn what cover letters should look like and we will provide time for you to practice drafting effective documents. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptop or other internet enabled devices.

• Date and time: Wednesday, March 15, 2026; 9-9:45 a.m.
• Location: Virtual
• Speakers:Beyond the Professoriate; sign in using the link below, choose UNR, log in using your NetID

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A quick glance at LinkedIn job postings shows hundreds of applicants competing for the same roles every day. Today’s job market is highly competitive, often saturated, and hiring has slowed across nearly all sectors. It’s one of the most challenging environments job seekers have faced in years. So how can you stand out as a PhD in this crowded market? Join the Beyond Prof team for this webinar on how PhDs can stand out in a competitive job market — and key factors to consider as you explore your options. International candidates may have additional personal and legal considerations, for instance, and all PhDs should take into account their personal and financial needs when planning their next steps. This webinar is designed for doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines who are wondering:

• How can I stand out in competitive job market if I have limited industry experience?
• What catches an employers attention in a crowded job market?
• How do I navigate additional factors in my job search—such as visas, geographic constraints, or funding considerations?

• Date and time: Wednesday, April 15, 2026; 11-11:30 a.m. 
• Location: Virtual
• Speaker: Beyond Graduate School - Sign in using the link below, choose UNR, log in using your NetID

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Starting a new job? Congratulations! As you begin your first 90 days, you may be wondering: can I use AI at work? When, how, and should I use it? To answer these questions, you’ll first need to know your organization’s policy on generative AI. Some employers may prohibit its use entirely, while others have specific guidelines related to privacy and data sharing. You’ll also need to consider whether AI will truly help you produce your best work. Join Beyond Graduate School for this webinar to learn how you can ethically and strategically use AI in the workplace. This webinar is designed for master’s students from all academic disciplines who are wondering:

• What should I consider before using AI at work?
• What resources can I consult to answer my questions about AI use in the workplace?
• How can I use AI to enhance my productivity and efficiency?

• Date and time: Monday-Friday, May 4-8, 2026; 9-9:45 a.m.
• Location: Virtual
• Speaker: Beyond the Professoriate - Sign in using the link below, choose UNR, log in using your NetID 

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From May 4–8, Beyond the Professoriate will host its annual PhD Career Conference, designed to help PhDs build a strong foundation for a successful nonacademic job search. If you’re in the final year of your program, a postdoc planning your next steps, or a graduate student exploring your career options, this conference series is for you. Over the course of the week, you’ll learn what it takes to build a meaningful career beyond the professoriate. This special event is open to doctoral students, PhDs, and postdocs from all academic disciplines. Each day, we’ll explore a key aspect of the nonacademic job search to help you strategically plan your next steps:

• May 4: What Employers Actually Value About Your Degree
• May 5: How To Write A Resume
• May 6: How To Network When You Don’t Have A Network
• May 7: Using Linkedin In Your Job Search
• May 8: Advice For International Students On The Job Market